Chapter 2: Aboard the Normandy

Once sealed inside Luna Base, Shepard was immediately escorted to another hanger where the Normandy was preparing for take off. It was quite the thing of beauty, even though you could tell visually that it was on and kicking, it surprisingly made little noise, a slow whine bunched in with a steady hum. She took in all of it that she could before being interrupted by Captain Anderson and Admiral Hackett. She straightened herself and saluted as they too followed the gesture.

"Welcome Commander, good to see you made it in one piece. We've seen to repairs and check ups while you've travelled this way." Captain Anderson said. "Shouldn't be long now until we leave Luna Base. How was your ride up here, able to catch a few "earthly sights" before exiting the atmosphere?" Shepard and Anderson had known each other for a bit, there wasn't a personal connection there, but the Captain knew about Jane's desires and faults just as much as he knew of her accomplishments and skills. He wouldn't hide anything, if anything it was simply a back-handed compliment.

"Everything's fine, Captain. Was able to catch a few winks before landing. So, what's this mission about?" She asked. Shepard drove right to the point.

"I was looking for someone to keep in line with the crew, especially grounds crews. I don't expect any trouble, but it's always good to have someone with fresh legs on the ground. Our mission is a simple, routine check up operations on one of our human colonies deeper into alliance systems. Have you heard of Eden Prime?" Anderson asked.

It was at this point that Admiral Hackett barged in. "Eden Prime is prime example of what human's can do out in the galaxy. We just want to take a closer look and monitor the progress they're making. By the way, it's a pleasure to finally meet you personally Commander." He stretched out his hand with a proud smile. Jane shook it readily. "I know the things you've done in your military career. I know your capabilities. It wasn't my choice for who joined Captain Anderson on this mission, but I was very pleased with the voted outcome. I know you'll do everything in your power not to let us down. Good luck to you both."

Anderson escorted her to the Normandy and through its internal quarantine room. After the drones did their work, cleaning them of any malicious material, they both traversed the main deck where dozens of cadets and officers scrambled through the interior. They plotted various charts and recorded any numbers that appeared before handing them to someone a rank above them.

Once Captain Anderson approached the helm, everyone stood up and waited for his next command. He issued a speech, one that was very general but it gathered everyone's attention. During the course of his speech, Shepard stood about twenty feet back and got a glimpse of a well curved girl. Her hair was cut evenly around the neck, she had heavily slanted eyes that were like black voids and thin glasses; her red lips matched a red ribbon she had patched to her uniform. It took a bit of time, but eventually she looked in Shepard's direction and immediately blushed a shade closer to her lipstick. At least Shepard wouldn't have to worry about being lonely on this mission. She had all the pussy she could handle here.

Captain Anderson dismissed everyone and they all retreated to their duties. The girl shot Shepard another glance before darting past them and into the elevator. The Captain approached her, "Once again, I'm glad to have you here Commander. Go ahead and report to our Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Chakwas, she'll need to get a full physical of you before you're cleared to go on this mission.

PARAGON: Obey Captain Anderson's orders, Dr. Chakwas might have some valuable information to give you.

RENEGADE: Promise you'll go to her office, but veer off and try to find where that girl went.

NEUTRAL: You'll go to Chakwas's office, but you're there for a physical--nothing more.